Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. You want to make the best impression possible to land your dream job. At the same time, there are many things you should avoid saying or doing during an interview that could hurt your chances.
Being Unprepared
One of the worst mistakes you can make is coming to the interview unprepared. That means not researching the company and position, not having answers ready for common interview questions, and not bringing copies of your resume. Being unprepared gives the impression you lack motivation and interest.
To avoid this:
- Research the company’s mission, values, goals, history, products/services, culture, and competitors.
- Review the job description carefully and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience match.
- Practice answering typical interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why do you want this job?”
- Bring multiple printed copies of your updated resume.
Dressing Inappropriately
Failing to dress professionally for the interview can immediately disqualify you. Even if the company has a casual dress code, you should wear formal business attire for the interview unless explicitly told otherwise.
For men, stick with a suit in a dark color like black, gray, or navy. Wear dress shoes and socks, not sneakers. For women, a professional skirt or pantsuit is best. Avoid loud colors, short skirts, low-cut tops, and open-toed shoes.
Being Late
Arriving late to a job interview is unacceptable. It’s disrespectful and suggests you may have issues with punctuality. You should plan to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. Double check the interview time, location, and parking situation in advance.
If an emergency means you will be late, call the interviewer immediately to explain and apologize. But try not to schedule interviews on days when you have existing commitments that could delay you.
Lying on Your Resume
Falsifying information on your resume or in the interview are grounds for immediate rejection, if not termination if you’ve already been hired. Common resume lies include inflated titles, exaggerated skills/duties, altered employment dates, and fictional degrees.
Interviewers will probe into anything on your resume that seems suspicious. Getting caught in a lie ruins your credibility. Be honest about your background, experience, and qualifications.
Appearing Desperate
The interviewer wants to know you’re interested in the job, but seeming overly eager can backfire. Repeatedly emphasizing how badly you want or need the position makes you look desperate. Discuss your qualifications and interest in a professional manner.
Also avoid asking about salary, benefits, or time off too early. Let the interviewer raise those topics first. Jumping right into what the company can offer you sends the wrong message.
Badmouthing Former Employers
Never speak poorly of past employers during a job interview. Complaining or going into details of conflicts can make you come across as difficult. If the interviewer asks about previous jobs, keep your answers brief and neutral.
Focus on the positives – what you learned and accomplished. If there were issues, just say you and the employer had philosophical differences or goals that didn’t align.
Getting Too Personal
Oversharing personal details or problems is inappropriate for an interview. Don’t get into your family situation, health issues, financial struggles, or other private matters.
It’s fine to talk generally about your hobbies, interests, or community involvement. But don’t disclose anything too intimate that might make the interviewer uncomfortable.
Asking No Questions
When the interviewer asks at the end if you have any questions, don’t reply “no.” Not asking questions makes you seem uninterested in the company or position. Prepare at least 2-3 intelligent questions to ask that demonstrate your engagement.
Good options can include asking about short-term goals, biggest challenges the department faces, what success in the role looks like, or company culture. Just don’t ask for information easily found online.
Being Pushy About Perks
It’s fine to ask generally about the compensation package, time off policy, professional development opportunities, and other perks. But fixating too much on these items can make you seem self-interested. Keep questions focused on the work itself and your potential contributions.
Pushy questions on pay, vacation time, and benefits often turn off interviewers. Wait for a job offer before negotiating those details.
Appearing Distracted
Give the interviewer your full attention. That means no cell phone use, fidgeting, looking around the room, rummaging through your bag, or other distracted behaviors. Maintain eye contact and engaged body language.
If you need to cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, excuse yourself politely. Try not to schedule interviews during times when you’ll be worrying about other commitments later that day.
Talking Negatively About Yourself
A little humility goes a long way. But putting yourself down, questioning your abilities, and lacking confidence all reflect poorly. Be careful with humor as well – self-deprecating jokes can give the wrong impression if taken seriously.
Focus on your strengths and the unique assets you’ll bring to the role. It’s fine to identify areas you want to develop, as long as you discuss how you’re working to improve.
Letting Your Energy Lag
An upbeat, enthusiastic attitude engages interviewers and leaves a positive final impression. But poor body language, low energy, lack of expression, and seeming bored all diminish your appeal.
Sit up straight, make eye contact, vary your vocal tone, smile periodically, and use gestures for emphasis. Match the interviewer’s energy level, which is often conversational and friendly.
Bringing Food or Gum
Chewing gum is a big no-no in interviews. Not only is it unprofessional, but the smacking noise can be distracting. Likewise, don’t sip a coffee, water bottle, or any beverage beyond an initial glass of water.
Eating is an even worse idea. Whether you spill something or just chew loudly, it looks bad. Wait to eat until after the interview concludes.
Not Following Up
Always send a follow-up thank you note or email within 24 hours after the interview. This is your chance to express appreciation for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
Mention something unique about the discussion and add any relevant details you forgot initially. Following up properly makes a good last impression.
Asking About Salary or Benefits Too Soon
It’s best to let the interviewer raise the topic of salary and benefits first. Jumping in with questions about pay, vacation time, or other perks too soon can make you seem self-interested.
If asked, you can give a reasonable salary range based on research of the role and industry. But let the employer make the initial offer later. The interview should focus on your abilities and the company’s needs.
Seeming Bored or Apathetic
Yawning, looking around, responding in monosyllables, and generally appearing bored or apathetic is a sure way to eliminate yourself. The interviewer wants to see that you’re engaged and interested in the opportunity.
Ask thoughtful questions, maintain eye contact, sit upright, and respond energetically. If you can’t muster enthusiasm, you won’t be offered the job.
Speaking Negatively About Yourself
Putting yourself down or being overly critical of your abilities won’t earn any points. Phrases like “I’m not totally sure I can do this job” or “I don’t really have experience doing that” undermine your candidacy.
Frame responses positively, focusing on your assets. It’s fine to identify areas you want to develop as long as you discuss your ability to learn quickly.
Failing to Make Small Talk
At the beginning of the interview, it’s appropriate to engage in light small talk or banter to build rapport with the interviewer. This could involve complimenting the office, discussing the weather, or mentioning current events.
Don’t just launch right into the formal interview. A few minutes of friendly chitchat helps break the ice and makes the discussion feel more natural.
What to Discuss in a Job Interview
| Do Discuss | Don’t Discuss |
|---|---|
| Your qualifications and interest in the role | Salary and benefits |
| Ways you can contribute to the company | Personal or family problems |
| Your relevant skills, experience, and achievements | Drama or conflicts with past employers |
| The work culture you thrive in | Expectations around perks, time off, etc. |
| Questions that show your understanding of the role | Philosophical/political views |
| Your career goals and growth ambitions | Other job interviews you have scheduled |
Conclusion
Job interviews require preparation, poise, professionalism, and positivity. Avoid problematic behaviors like arriving late, dressing casually, seeming distracted, or fixating on compensation. Present your best self to stand out.
Keep the focus on your abilities, experience, work ethic, and teamwork. Be confident but not arrogant. Ask intelligent questions to show engagement. Follow up promptly to reiterate your interest.
With practice and experience, you can master the art of interviewing and land the job you want. Know what to highlight about yourself as well as what to avoid bringing up. Present a polished yet personable image.
Remember, the interview is your opportunity to showcase why you’re the ideal candidate. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be much more likely to make a great impression.